Wisconsin Senate Bill SB963

Wisconsin 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/26/24
• Refer: 1/26/24
• Failed: 4/15/24

Caption

Reducing or eliminating coinsurance and deductibles for health care expenses.

Impact

The repeal of this prohibition may enable health care providers to better cater to patients' financial situations. If enacted, SB963 could potentially lead to a decrease in out-of-pocket costs for insured individuals, particularly those facing significant health expenses. However, the bill's impact on the overall health insurance market remains to be assessed, as it may lead to variations in what providers offer to their patients. The change could also affect health insurers in how they structure their coverage policies regarding coinsurance and deductibles.

Summary

Senate Bill 963 proposes to repeal the state statute that currently prohibits health care providers from reducing or eliminating coinsurance and deductibles required under health insurance policies, barring cases of undue financial hardship. This bill, introduced by Senator Feyen and cosponsored by several representatives, seeks to provide more flexibility for health care providers regarding cost-sharing arrangements with their patients. By removing these restrictions, the bill could allow providers to offer more financial relief to individuals struggling with healthcare expenses.

Contention

While supporters of SB963 argue that it will enhance access to necessary health care services for financially burdened individuals, opponents might raise concerns over the implications for standard insurance practices. Critics could suggest this change may lead to inconsistencies in health care billing and could complicate the insurance landscape, where people might not fully understand the terms of their coverage as providers may have differing capabilities to reduce or eliminate costs. Additionally, there are concerns about the long-term sustainability of this model and its effects on health care costs more broadly.